Invasive ants plague: but also fights against the super colonies!
Invasive ants plague: but also fights against the super colonies!
The invasive ant tapinoma magnum is currently a major challenge for the municipality of Sorgeheim in the district of Germersheim. Mayor Marcus Schaile reports 192 reports of ants in several districts. These ants show increased activity, especially in spring -like temperatures and crawl out of their nests. In particular, numerous ants and sand pies can be observed at the cemetery, which worries the citizens. The ants are looking for food sources and often find organic waste in the neighboring properties, which increases their plague. The Rheinpfalz reports that the city administration has published a leaflet for combating.
An important part of the control strategy lies in the shortage of food sources for the ants. In particular, the Himalaya cedar and other trees with sweet fruits are popular food sources, which is why the city stimulates residents to remove dead animals and fallen fruit. In addition, homeowners can kill their ants with boiling water, while the city uses a hot water device to control on public areas.
measures and costs
The control costs for the city amount to around 50,000 euros. A specialist will also spend bait gels that are carried into the nest by workers. This type of ant is not picky with bait gels, which may require a change of bait.
In order to prevent further spread of the ants, a collection point for green waste was also set up in Sonderheim. This is located at the train station, where the waste is chopped and disposed of promptly to avoid settlement. Local residents expressed concerns about the noise, but the collection point remains for the time being, and citizens can hand in their green waste on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The contact for the city is Thomas Schuler, who provides further information.
national problem
The problem of tapinoma magnum is not only limited to the but not only. The neighboring municipality of Schutterwald in the Ortenaukreis also has to deal with this invasive ant species. Mayor Martin Holschuh reported that super colonies with millions of animals were identified there, some of which can cause nesting and damage under streets, including power outages and undermined playground floors. These supercolonies extend over several hectares, and the control measures are cost-intensive. SWR reports that Ants fighting in Schutterwald at 40,000 to 50,000 euros.
Invasive ants such as tapinoma magnum have been established in Germany since 2009 and have been observed in various regions, including Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. These ants are just one of many invasive species that can cause serious ecological, economic and health damage. Other problematic species include, for example, the red fire ant and the Argentine ant. These species can occur in the form of supercolonies that represent a rare ability under ants. Riffreporter describes , as Invasive ants due to their quick increase and adaptability represent biodiversity and humanity.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Quellen | |